House Resolution 154

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE EUPORA EAGLES HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2012 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 2A NORTH HALF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Eupora Eagles High School Football Team finished the 2012 season with 14 wins and 2 losses which is the most wins for a season in school history; and

WHEREAS, the Eagles did very well in the state playoffs this year, winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A North Half State Championship in which they defeated the Bruce Trojans 31-28; and

WHEREAS, the 2A championship game was no easy win as the lead score bounced between the Eagles and the Trojans, but the Eupora Eagles were resilient and would not give up, and brought the championship home to their community; and

WHEREAS, the players' raw grit and determination, coupled with skill that was exhibited by players, such as Derrick Jones, who was selected as an all-star player with an impressive 80-yard kickoff return to strike first for the Eagles, and Justin Lewis who was good for the extra point to place the score at 7-0; and

WHEREAS, the Eagles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Harold "Junior" Graham, and Assistant Coaches Thad Walker, Michael Knight, James Courtney, Bryant Thomas, Chad White, and Dicenzo Miller, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Eagles have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Eupora High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state such as the Eagles Football Team, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Eupora Eagles High School Football Team and their coaches for winning the Class 2A North Half State Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Eupora High School Head Coach Harold "Junior" Graham and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.